and I've encountered a few bumps, but "Domino" by
Schnibbles is ready to be quilted finally! I absolutely
adore the charm pack, "Lovely", by Moda and think it
will be a fun summer quilt to hang in my house.
5 days ago
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Quick and Easy
I'm always on the lookout for a simple, quick and easy
little gift idea and today my friend, Laurel, shared one
with me. It's fun to remember friends, neighbors,
co-workers, etc. with a little inexpensive gift on their
special day or just to say "I'm thinking of you."
Scrapbook paper, card stock, ribbon and a simple
embellishment was all I needed to make this little
gift box.
I added a few wrapped Hershey Nuggets and now I
have a little friendship gift all ready to go.
Easy Peasey!
little gift idea and today my friend, Laurel, shared one
with me. It's fun to remember friends, neighbors,
co-workers, etc. with a little inexpensive gift on their
special day or just to say "I'm thinking of you."
Scrapbook paper, card stock, ribbon and a simple
embellishment was all I needed to make this little
gift box.
I added a few wrapped Hershey Nuggets and now I
have a little friendship gift all ready to go.
Easy Peasey!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Six Years
Today as Dr. Gray was going over the results of my
blood work and checking on a few things, he reminded
me that it was six years ago this month, that I was
diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC).
In many ways it seems so long ago and in other ways,
it seems like yesterday. Who knew the road would be
so bumpy, but I got through it with only a few battle
scars which I now call my Victory scars. They
constantly remind me of how blessed I am!
March 25, 2006 I wrote the following:
The War Within
Inside my breast a war rages.
It's ugly fingers spreading out
Fighting to over come healthy tissues.
Marching forward in haste
Its strongholds to secure.
Now, I, too, must engage in this battle,
Preparing my defenses,
Strategies are mapped out.
A course of action to be taken.
Advice from my oncologist.
We've only just begun.
Where this battle will go,
How it will end,
I know not.
Armed with faith, hope, determination and
Trust in the Lord,
Forward I move into the foray.
Praying my forces will
Overcome the enemy within.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare, fast-
growing type of cancer. Unlike other breast
cancers, this doesn't cause a lump in the
breast. Mammograms and breast exams often
fail to catch it early. Because it grows so fast,
it usually has spread by the time it is diagnosed.
As you perform your breast exams, be aware
of a breast that may be swollen, red and warm.
One that is tender or painful, or an area of itching
in the breast, a change in the nipple (retracted)
or even some dimpling (like an orange peel).
I had a rash that actually spread around my
chest and top of my stomach. I thought it was
due to a change of laundry detergent, but when
it didn't leave my breast and I noticed other
changes, I knew something was wrong. I
got the quickest dr. appointment I could and it
was with my family doctor who, I think
recognized it, but sent me for a mammogram
immediately. From that appointment we were
off and running.
To be sure of the diagnosis, a needle biopsy
was done, but didn't reveal anything. Next we
did a deep tissue biopsy and that showed
results.
Doctors are becoming more aware of IBC
but some still send patients to a dermatologist
thinking it is some kind of a skin irritation, etc.
I knew back in January of 2006 that I had
IBC because of going on the internet. It scared
me to death to see pictures and read about it.
Of course, I think the worst case scenarios
in pictures are presented. But, I still had to go
through all the hoops before a plan of
treatment could be set up and a sure diagnosis
given.
So, why am I telling all this? Because if it
helps one person to not put off getting a
mammogram or visiting her doctor because
of concerns, it will all be worth it! Life is
too precious to not act--no matter how scary
it seems. Don't let fears hold you back or think
that you'll do it tomorrow.
DO IT NOW! Don't be afraid to take that step.
Call your doctor if you have any concerns.
The life you save may be your own.
blood work and checking on a few things, he reminded
me that it was six years ago this month, that I was
diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC).
In many ways it seems so long ago and in other ways,
it seems like yesterday. Who knew the road would be
so bumpy, but I got through it with only a few battle
scars which I now call my Victory scars. They
constantly remind me of how blessed I am!
March 25, 2006 I wrote the following:
The War Within
Inside my breast a war rages.
It's ugly fingers spreading out
Fighting to over come healthy tissues.
Marching forward in haste
Its strongholds to secure.
Now, I, too, must engage in this battle,
Preparing my defenses,
Strategies are mapped out.
A course of action to be taken.
Advice from my oncologist.
We've only just begun.
Where this battle will go,
How it will end,
I know not.
Armed with faith, hope, determination and
Trust in the Lord,
Forward I move into the foray.
Praying my forces will
Overcome the enemy within.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare, fast-
growing type of cancer. Unlike other breast
cancers, this doesn't cause a lump in the
breast. Mammograms and breast exams often
fail to catch it early. Because it grows so fast,
it usually has spread by the time it is diagnosed.
As you perform your breast exams, be aware
of a breast that may be swollen, red and warm.
One that is tender or painful, or an area of itching
in the breast, a change in the nipple (retracted)
or even some dimpling (like an orange peel).
I had a rash that actually spread around my
chest and top of my stomach. I thought it was
due to a change of laundry detergent, but when
it didn't leave my breast and I noticed other
changes, I knew something was wrong. I
got the quickest dr. appointment I could and it
was with my family doctor who, I think
recognized it, but sent me for a mammogram
immediately. From that appointment we were
off and running.
To be sure of the diagnosis, a needle biopsy
was done, but didn't reveal anything. Next we
did a deep tissue biopsy and that showed
results.
Doctors are becoming more aware of IBC
but some still send patients to a dermatologist
thinking it is some kind of a skin irritation, etc.
I knew back in January of 2006 that I had
IBC because of going on the internet. It scared
me to death to see pictures and read about it.
Of course, I think the worst case scenarios
in pictures are presented. But, I still had to go
through all the hoops before a plan of
treatment could be set up and a sure diagnosis
given.
So, why am I telling all this? Because if it
helps one person to not put off getting a
mammogram or visiting her doctor because
of concerns, it will all be worth it! Life is
too precious to not act--no matter how scary
it seems. Don't let fears hold you back or think
that you'll do it tomorrow.
DO IT NOW! Don't be afraid to take that step.
Call your doctor if you have any concerns.
The life you save may be your own.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
It's too early! Way too early for mosquitoes to be out
and about. And, to be so BIG!
Decided I needed to take a break from working on my
father's history this evening and thought a quick
walk around the neighborhood would energize me.
The weather was so nice, cloudy, no wind, and
warm temperatures.
Coming back home I stopped to chat with a friend
and couldn't believe the mosquitoes that immediately
surrounded us. They must have been starving the
way we were attacked. These little critters have always
found me tasty from the time I was little and
tonight was no different. I have several huge welts
on my arm to prove it and they have been itching
like crazy. I put some anti-itch cream on the bites and
covered them with band aids to tone down the
itching and to keep me from scratching them. I
think it is finally beginning to work.
Guess I won't be able to go walking in the early
evening anymore unless there is a breeze.
Hopefully the Mosquito Abatement will be out
soon spraying before these little HUGE bugs
overtake us.
and about. And, to be so BIG!
Decided I needed to take a break from working on my
father's history this evening and thought a quick
walk around the neighborhood would energize me.
The weather was so nice, cloudy, no wind, and
warm temperatures.
Coming back home I stopped to chat with a friend
and couldn't believe the mosquitoes that immediately
surrounded us. They must have been starving the
way we were attacked. These little critters have always
found me tasty from the time I was little and
tonight was no different. I have several huge welts
on my arm to prove it and they have been itching
like crazy. I put some anti-itch cream on the bites and
covered them with band aids to tone down the
itching and to keep me from scratching them. I
think it is finally beginning to work.
Guess I won't be able to go walking in the early
evening anymore unless there is a breeze.
Hopefully the Mosquito Abatement will be out
soon spraying before these
overtake us.
Monday, March 12, 2012
In Memory of my sweet Sister in Law,
Kathleen Farnes
I am really going to miss her. Kathleen was more
like a sister and a best friend. We shared so
much through the years, the good and the bad,
happy and sad times, the ups and the downs
and everything in between. What fun we used
to have! How I will miss those phone calls!
Kathleen was a wonderful example to all she
came in contact with and was a woman of strong
faith. She and her late husband raised five
wonderful children, four or whom are pictured
below.
My son on the left with some of his cousins and
Kathleen's daughter, Christy.
Kathleen Farnes
I am really going to miss her. Kathleen was more
like a sister and a best friend. We shared so
much through the years, the good and the bad,
happy and sad times, the ups and the downs
and everything in between. What fun we used
to have! How I will miss those phone calls!
Kathleen was a wonderful example to all she
came in contact with and was a woman of strong
faith. She and her late husband raised five
wonderful children, four or whom are pictured
below.
My son on the left with some of his cousins and
Kathleen's daughter, Christy.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Matthew 7:24-27
Each Thursday evening we gather together for Family
Home Evening (FHE). Last night it was my turn to
present the lesson. Since I have been focusing on
"Choosing the Right", I chose to focus on choices and
consequences.
After reviewing a few basic principles we've recently
discussed, we talked about how every day we have
choices to make and each choice has a consequence.
After getting their feedback about what a consequence
was, I threw out several scenarios and asked what
the consequence might be--good or bad:
"If you choose not to eat---you will be hungry"
"If you choose not to wear a coat, hat and gloves
when it is cold and snowy outside---your ears and
hands will freeze and you will get sick."
"If you use sunscreen when it is hot and sunny
outside---you will avoid a sunburn and pain."
Also tried to teach them that some consequences
come quickly after you make a choice. Sometimes
you may not recognize a consequence until long
after you make the choice. But, eventually there is
always a consequence.
Then I passed out a blank piece of paper to each
one and told them we were going to draw a
picture about a wise man and a foolish man as I
read the scripture to them.
(Matt. 7:24-27)
First they were to draw a wise man, then the house
he built upon a rock. For this picture they used
permanent markers:
Next I read about the foolish man who built his house
upon the sand. Washable markers were used for
this picture:
Then we all gathered around the sink and watched
what happened to the houses when the rain descended
and the floods came and the winds blew and beat
upon the houses.
Using a spray bottle, I sprayed water on the picture
of the wise man's house ....
.... and of course, nothing happened! The house
remained!
Water was then sprayed on the foolish man's house ....
....and the rains, floods, and winds came and
washed his house away:
They LOVED This!
I believe they got the message! And, now hopefully
they will remember the lesson of the wise man and
the foolish man and the consequences of their choices
in building their homes upon a rock or upon the sand,
and that they will make good choices as they grow.
Home Evening (FHE). Last night it was my turn to
present the lesson. Since I have been focusing on
"Choosing the Right", I chose to focus on choices and
consequences.
After reviewing a few basic principles we've recently
discussed, we talked about how every day we have
choices to make and each choice has a consequence.
After getting their feedback about what a consequence
was, I threw out several scenarios and asked what
the consequence might be--good or bad:
"If you choose not to eat---you will be hungry"
"If you choose not to wear a coat, hat and gloves
when it is cold and snowy outside---your ears and
hands will freeze and you will get sick."
"If you use sunscreen when it is hot and sunny
outside---you will avoid a sunburn and pain."
Also tried to teach them that some consequences
come quickly after you make a choice. Sometimes
you may not recognize a consequence until long
after you make the choice. But, eventually there is
always a consequence.
Then I passed out a blank piece of paper to each
one and told them we were going to draw a
picture about a wise man and a foolish man as I
read the scripture to them.
(Matt. 7:24-27)
First they were to draw a wise man, then the house
he built upon a rock. For this picture they used
permanent markers:
Next I read about the foolish man who built his house
upon the sand. Washable markers were used for
this picture:
Then we all gathered around the sink and watched
what happened to the houses when the rain descended
and the floods came and the winds blew and beat
upon the houses.
Using a spray bottle, I sprayed water on the picture
of the wise man's house ....
.... and of course, nothing happened! The house
remained!
Water was then sprayed on the foolish man's house ....
....and the rains, floods, and winds came and
washed his house away:
They LOVED This!
I believe they got the message! And, now hopefully
they will remember the lesson of the wise man and
the foolish man and the consequences of their choices
in building their homes upon a rock or upon the sand,
and that they will make good choices as they grow.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
HELP!
I need help! Has anyone made the small wall quilt
"Domino" from Schnibbles?
I have been sewing my blocks together today and
when I went to lay out a few according to the
directions, no matter how I turned them, they did
not lay according to the pictured layout. It
almost looks like each block has to be pieced
differently to get it to lay correctly. However, the
directions only show one way to piece the block.
I guess I could contact the company, but I was
hoping someone out there had made this little
quilt and could pass on some much needed help.
"Domino" from Schnibbles?
I have been sewing my blocks together today and
when I went to lay out a few according to the
directions, no matter how I turned them, they did
not lay according to the pictured layout. It
almost looks like each block has to be pieced
differently to get it to lay correctly. However, the
directions only show one way to piece the block.
I guess I could contact the company, but I was
hoping someone out there had made this little
quilt and could pass on some much needed help.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
It's a Soup Day!
Our lovely warm spring weather didn't last long. Today
has been overcast and we've had a cold wind bringing
in a storm which as I look out my window has arrived.
Temperatures have gone from the 60"s F to the 30's F.
Snow is beginning to cover the grass but isn't sticking
to the walks and roads yet. Nice thing about snow
this time of the year is that it doesn't stay long.
Earlier in the day my daughter and grandsons came
over to spend some time with me. Because it was
chilly, I decided that it was a good day to make soup
and try Barb's roll recipe--which by the way was
very easy and yummy! Also made cupcakes and
Ian helped me frost them.
Minestrone Soup
1 lb. hamburger (I use 1/2 lb.)
1 onion (I use 1/2)
1/2 cup celery
Brown the above ingredients together
(I usually substitute 1/2 cup corn for celery
and add it with the rest of the ingredients
3 cans Minestrone soup OR 2 cans Progresso
Minestrone soup
3 cans water -- IF you use Progresso DO NOT
add cans of water
1 can Pork and Beans
1/4 tsp. Oregano
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Add all together and simmer until heated through.
It was so nice to be able send dinner home with my
daughter as well as keep some here. Everyone
needs a break from fixing dinner once in awhile.
While the soup was simmering and the rolls were
raising we were able to hang my other rod for
my quilts. The boys kept busy drawing pictures:
Their art work certainly brightens up my fridge!
Love it!
Stay Safe and Be Well
has been overcast and we've had a cold wind bringing
in a storm which as I look out my window has arrived.
Temperatures have gone from the 60"s F to the 30's F.
Snow is beginning to cover the grass but isn't sticking
to the walks and roads yet. Nice thing about snow
this time of the year is that it doesn't stay long.
Earlier in the day my daughter and grandsons came
over to spend some time with me. Because it was
chilly, I decided that it was a good day to make soup
and try Barb's roll recipe--which by the way was
very easy and yummy! Also made cupcakes and
Ian helped me frost them.
Minestrone Soup
1 lb. hamburger (I use 1/2 lb.)
1 onion (I use 1/2)
1/2 cup celery
Brown the above ingredients together
(I usually substitute 1/2 cup corn for celery
and add it with the rest of the ingredients
3 cans Minestrone soup OR 2 cans Progresso
Minestrone soup
3 cans water -- IF you use Progresso DO NOT
add cans of water
1 can Pork and Beans
1/4 tsp. Oregano
2-3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Add all together and simmer until heated through.
It was so nice to be able send dinner home with my
daughter as well as keep some here. Everyone
needs a break from fixing dinner once in awhile.
While the soup was simmering and the rolls were
raising we were able to hang my other rod for
my quilts. The boys kept busy drawing pictures:
Their art work certainly brightens up my fridge!
Love it!
Stay Safe and Be Well
Monday, March 5, 2012
Play Day Today!
Today was the perfect day to play: clear blue skies,
temperature about 63F. It felt like Spring!
My friend came down from Logan and we visited our
favorite quilt shops hoping to find something new for
Spring.
Arriving at Pine Needles we were disappointed that
there was still a lot of Valentine items on display
with a few St. Patrick's Day items. We were hoping
for Easter and Spring ideas. But once we found out
that Holly had slipped on the ice outside their door
and broke her leg in two places, we understood why
they were a little behind on things. But, we did
find a couple of items:
Sorry, the picture's a little blurry. This was on
sale and I figured by next Valentine's Day I could
find a use for it.
Found these two charm packs there and the
Scnibbles pattern at Quilter's Haven. So glad I
had coupons with me!
Was also excited to find this beautiful pale
yellow solid for the background of my
Domino quilt. Wish it showed the yellow
better instead of looking like cream. You'll just have
to take my word that it is pale yellow. Hopefully, I
can finish cutting out the remaining pieces and
start sewing it together tomorrow.
And, finally this peach paisley from JoAnn's. It will
be used to stitch Kaaren's "Easter All Around"
stitchery.
Our time today really flew by, but it was wonderful
to be out and about on such a lovely, sunny day!
Stay Well and Be Safe,
temperature about 63F. It felt like Spring!
My friend came down from Logan and we visited our
favorite quilt shops hoping to find something new for
Spring.
Arriving at Pine Needles we were disappointed that
there was still a lot of Valentine items on display
with a few St. Patrick's Day items. We were hoping
for Easter and Spring ideas. But once we found out
that Holly had slipped on the ice outside their door
and broke her leg in two places, we understood why
they were a little behind on things. But, we did
find a couple of items:
Sorry, the picture's a little blurry. This was on
sale and I figured by next Valentine's Day I could
find a use for it.
Found these two charm packs there and the
Scnibbles pattern at Quilter's Haven. So glad I
had coupons with me!
Was also excited to find this beautiful pale
yellow solid for the background of my
Domino quilt. Wish it showed the yellow
better instead of looking like cream. You'll just have
to take my word that it is pale yellow. Hopefully, I
can finish cutting out the remaining pieces and
start sewing it together tomorrow.
And, finally this peach paisley from JoAnn's. It will
be used to stitch Kaaren's "Easter All Around"
stitchery.
Our time today really flew by, but it was wonderful
to be out and about on such a lovely, sunny day!
Stay Well and Be Safe,
Nola
Friday, March 2, 2012
New Project Started!
Today has been an on and off day with regards to the
weather. One minute the sun is shining, the next
the clouds have covered it and we're getting snow
showers. The wind is light, but it is cold, making it a
good day to be inside working.
Recently found a new recipe for cookies that I wanted
to try so while the dough was chilling in the fridge, I
was able to get most of the fabric cut for another
project that has been taking up space on my shelves.
Now I just need to decide what to use for the
background fabric. Will probably have to take a couple
of the pieces with me to the quilt store and see what
looks good. Since the charm pack I'm using is "Lovely"
by Sandy Gervais for Moda, I should probably use her
cream solids. Will just have to see what jumps out
at me when I go shopping.
Stay Safe and Be Well,
weather. One minute the sun is shining, the next
the clouds have covered it and we're getting snow
showers. The wind is light, but it is cold, making it a
good day to be inside working.
Recently found a new recipe for cookies that I wanted
to try so while the dough was chilling in the fridge, I
was able to get most of the fabric cut for another
project that has been taking up space on my shelves.
Now I just need to decide what to use for the
background fabric. Will probably have to take a couple
of the pieces with me to the quilt store and see what
looks good. Since the charm pack I'm using is "Lovely"
by Sandy Gervais for Moda, I should probably use her
cream solids. Will just have to see what jumps out
at me when I go shopping.
Stay Safe and Be Well,
Nola
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